On A Knife Edge

Chapter 3: Path to Kernston

Suddenly, a flicker of movement in the distance caught Lucian's eye. A lone figure, cloaked in shadow, emerged from a stand of gnarled trees. Lucian tensed, hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his short sword. As the figure drew closer, its outline softened, revealing a tall man with a shock of white hair and piercing blue eyes. He wore worn leather traveling garb covered with a seemingly to clean black suit coat with long gold trimmed tails, a lute strapped to his back. A weary smile played on his lips.

"Lost, are we?" the man asked, his voice warm and inviting.

Lucian hesitated, suspicion battling with a desperate need for information. "I... I'm not from around here," he finally admitted. "Where are we?"

"Neither am I," the man chuckled, stepping forward and extending a hand. "The name's Kainith. A humble bard, just passing through. This my friend, " the bard said while theatrically waving his hand in the air "is the middle of nowhere."

Lucian eyed him warily before taking the proffered hand. "Lucian," he replied with a curt nod.

Kainith surveyed the rolling hills and prairie grass. "Quite a sight, isn't it? Where did you say you were from?"

Hesitantly, Lucian described the fiery realm of Baator, the oppressive heat, the constant scent of brimstone. Kainith's eyes widened in surprise.

"Baator? By the Divines, that's some tale! How on earth did you get here?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Lucian mused.

"Try me friend, I've heard many tall tales and spun many myself. I promise yours will not be the craziest." Kainith stated. "Plus, if you're not from here and lost. Let me at least introduce you to my friends. I'm on my way to the Duchy of Kernston. Just a few more miles north. You can tell me all about your history on the way."

Lucian warily recounted his encounter in the Infernal Vaults within the Von Holm manor and told of the mysterious opal that he was sent to retrieve. Kainith listened intently, his expression turning to bemusement.

"Wait, did you say teleportation?" he asked, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Powerful magic indeed, but always at a cost, my friend. There are very few mages in the entirety of Archanella that can manage even short range teleportation and you're saying that a shiny rock teleported you between planes?" Kainith looked towards the distant contemplative as they walked. "Well, where is said stone? I would love to look at it!"

Lucian hesitated, shame burning in his throat. "Well...I lost it."

Kainith's sigh was heavy. "What do you mean you lost it? Look friend, I know I just met you and maybe digging deeper is uncouth but please tell me you didn't just drop it somewhere."

Lucian, looking ashamed, responded, "Look I have reason to believe there are more out there, you know magic rocks, I can't explain to you how I lost the teleportation opal but just believe me when I say it's not just out there floating free. You're a bard right?" Lucian glanced at the sturdy metallic lute strapped to Kainith, "If you help me find the rest of the gemstones you'll have ample stories to tell. That I can promise you that!"

"Okay. I'll take your word for it. Just promise me you will tell me if I need to know." Kainith said with exasperation.

The two continued through the afternoon on their journey to Kernston. Grassy plains stretched for miles, dotted with occasional clumps of gnarled trees that offered scant shade from the relentless twin suns overhead. The air, while refreshingly cool compared to the inferno, held a strange humidity that clung to Lucian's skin like sweat.

Kainith proved to be a seasoned traveler. He navigated the unfamiliar terrain with ease, pointing out edible plants and berries along the way. He regaled Lucian with tales of his travels, weaving stories of noble knights, cunning rogues, and fearsome beasts that sent shivers down Lucian's spine.